AGCR FAQ

There are about fifty gun magazines. Why one more?

If AGCR was just another Guns & Ammo or American Rifleman, it would be completely
redundant. However, AGCR provides a unique perspective in that articles on firearm
related topics come from a variety of political perspectives, not only ones that sound like
they were copied from a mass NRA e-mail.

Hey, you got a problem with the NRA?

Yes. While the NRA has done plenty of decent work, they are so intertwined with
figures from the political right that over the years this influence has tainted almost every
aspect of American gun culture.

Guns scare the crap out of me, why should I even give AGCR a chance?

Firearms are very serious it’s true, but a healthier attitude toward them is one of
informed respect, not blind fear. AGCR doesn’t suggest everyone should run out and
buy a gun, but only that this journal may help in making better educated choices,
whether you decide to live your life armed or unarmed.

Your magazine glorifies nothing but liberal crackpots and leftist traitors. Why are
you wasting my time with this Commie bullshit?

AGCR does appeal mostly to people outside the political mainstream, many of whom
are self identified leftists or Communists even. However, Libertarians and anarchists
form a significant portion, if not majority, of AGCR’s fan base as well. If you don’t know
the difference, that’s your ignorance. Also, you probably didn’t notice our myspace
page lists as “heroes” several figures commonly venerated by the extreme right. At
AGCR, our bullshit is equal opportunity.

Right on! I’m totally with you guys. I’ve already got an arsenal stockpiled and my
garage is full of pipe bombs. When does the revolution start?

Go tell your superiors at the FBI to find a more subtle mole.

I’m interested in getting a gun, but what kind is right for me?

You need to do some research on a subject outside AGCR’s basic mandate. Picking
the correct firearm for your situation is a highly individualized decision. It depends on
your level of experience and what you want a gun for, among many other factors. If at
all possible, don’t go into this alone. Talk to friends, family members and anyone who is
knowledgeable that you trust. Read up before going to a store and don’t be afraid to ask
questions. Some clerks will be friendly and helpful but don’t count on it. Unfortunately,
if you are a woman, a visible racial or cultural minority, obviously gay, punk rock or
subculture in any way, you may be given a hard time. AGCR can’t help with such a
specific personal choice, but is trying to combat the regressive social attitudes which
tragically saturate American gun culture and make it frustrating for many folks.

I have attached a menacing picture of myself wearing some kind of feminine
undergarment on my head and pointing a black polymer pistol directly at the
camera with my finger clearly inside the trigger guard in direct violation of
common gun safety protocol. Do you want to be friends?

No.

What a sad excuse for a gun magazine! Why no color pictures and cool stuff?

While the corporate gun press is subsidized largely by advertisements from major
international arms corporations, AGCR remains a small, independent publication put
together by contributors who mostly volunteer their time. The editor, for instance, drives
a forklift all day, and sometimes would rather not spend his few spare hours in front of a
computer. As an excuse, that’s the best we’ve got. Sorry.

I went to one of the places that supposedly carries AGCR and they were out! Why
is your distribution so half ass?

See previous answer. Also, most of the stores have no online inventory list and don’t
like to be harassed by publishers constantly, therefore a gap sometimes exists between
when stock is depleted and more arrives. Especially in the case of smaller booksellers
this may occur. Luckily, no such problems will be encountered if you order AGCR online
or subscribe.

Subscribe to a 20th century style publication printed on dead trees? Don’t you
know the future is all about computers and online stuff?

It’s true in this age a physical journal may appear to some as a complete anachronism,
however the printed version of AGCR is attractive, available to read when no computers
are available and easy to share with others. It will also contain more articles and
information than what we provide online. Plus you can always recycle it later.

I’ve had some seriously bad experiences involving guns. Do you really expect
there’s anything you can say that will change my mind about how evil they are?

Perhaps not. We’re all shaped by our past but we don’t have to be slaves to it. Try
reading the testimony of Korina M. who was Unexpected Gun Owner in AGCR #2.

I’m a middle-aged chubby guy who lives in the suburbs and like to think I’m
political but mostly just complain about Mexicans or Indians to whoever will
listen after I’ve had a couple cans of Bud. When will AGCR cover the issues that
are important to me?

As soon as the mainstream gun press stops pandering to you.